Ukraine will be a fierce competitor in grain markets this year and for years to come, according to a senior agriculture official from that country, reports The Western Producer.
Nikolay Gorbachov, president of the Ukrainian Grain Association, is forecasting a bumper crop in 2021-22.
The association’s official estimate calls for 97.3 million tonnes of grains, oilseeds and pulses.
Gorbachov said there used to be legitimate concerns about Ukraine’s ability to move that much grain to overseas markets but the logistical issues have been addressed.
Ukraine has 28,000 rail hopper cars, up from 10,000 three years ago. Ukraine has about a dozen ports. New grain export terminals have been built at the ports and there are more to come.
China accounted for 25% of Ukraine’s grain exports last year. The other key markets are the European Union, the Middle East and North Africa.